Crews Battle Fast-growing Wildfire In Windy Southern California That’s Forced Some To Evacuate

A wildfire in Riverside, California, prompted evacuations and the closure of a community college on Friday as crews worked to contain the blaze in windy conditions.

The Springs Fire started around 11 a.m. and quickly grew to about 6.5 square miles. The cause is under investigation, and the extent of evacuation warnings is not yet known.

With helicopters, engines, and water tenders, hundreds of firefighters battled the fire throughout the day, making progress by the evening.

The fire burned in a recreational area near Moreno Valley, a city of roughly 200,000 people in Riverside County. Strong winds spread smoke, prompting concerns in neighboring cities.

Moreno Valley College closed its main campus due to poor air quality caused by the fire. Students, faculty, and staff were instructed to leave immediately.

Congressman Raul Ruiz urged those under evacuation orders to comply and leave the area promptly.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the region, warning of gusts up to 50 mph that could cause tree damage and power outages.